ced it in the hands
of Eumelus, and he received it rejoicing. But Menelaus also arose
amongst them, grieving in his mind, vehemently enraged with Antilochus.
Then a herald placed the sceptre in his hands, and ordered the Greeks to
be silent; and then the godlike hero spoke:

"O Antilochus, hitherto prudent, what hast thou done? Thou hast
disgraced my skill, and injured my steeds, driving thine before them,
which indeed are greatly inferior. But come, ye leaders and chiefs of
the Greeks, judge between us both, and not for favour; lest some one of
the brazen-mailed Greeks should say: 'Menelaus having overcome
Antilochus by falsehoods, came off, leading the mare [as a prize], for
his steeds were very inferior, but he himself superior in skill and
strength.'[759] But come, I myself will decide, and I think that no
other of the Greeks will blame me, for it will be just."

"O Antilochus, nurtured of Jove, come hither, I pray, as it is just,
standing before thy horses and chariot, and holding in thy hands the
pliant lash with which thou didst formerly drive, touching thy steeds,
swear by earth-encompassing Neptune, that thou didst not willingly
impede my chariot by stratagem." [760]

[Footnote 759: Cf. vers. 571, sq]

[Footnote 760: See ver. 441.]

But him prudent Antilochus in turn answered:

"Have patience now, since I am much younger than thou, O king Menelaus,
and thou art older and superior. Thou knowest of what sort are the
errors of a youth; for his mind is indeed more volatile, and his counsel
weak. Therefore let thy heart endure, and I myself will give thee the
steed which I have received. And if indeed thou demandest anything else
greater from my house, I should be willing to give it immediately rather
than fall for ever, O Jove-nurtured, from thy good opinion, and be
sinful towards the gods."

He spoke; and the son of magnanimous Nestor, leading the mare, placed it
in the hands of Menelaus; but his[761] mind was cheered[762] as the dew
[is diffused] over the ears of growing corn, when the fields are
bristling. Thus indeed, O Menelaus, was thy soul in thy breast cheered;
and speaking, he addressed to him winged words:

[Footnote 761: _I.e._ Menelaus.]

[Footnote 762: Or softened, melted. See Heyne.]

"Antilochus, now indeed will I cease being enraged with thee, for
formerly thou wert neither foolish nor volatile; though now youth has
subdued reason. Avoid a second time overreaching thy superio